Kentucky maternal health roundtable explores ways to improve Kentucky maternal health; two stories from Kentucky Lantern

The Kentucky Lantern offers two stories this week about maternal health in Kentucky, both by Sarah Ladd. One is about a roundtable held in Louisville that was moderated by Carole Johnson, the administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration for the Biden administration. The other is a Kentucky Lantern Q&A with her.

The roundtable discussion touched on several topics, including the Health Access Nurturing Developmental Services program, more commonly known as HANDS; praise for Rep. Kim Moser’s, R-Taylor Mill, “Momnibus” bill that passed during the 2024 legislative session; and the need for a comprehensive approach toward improving the state’s maternal mortality rates, including addressing social determinants of health, which includes things like transportation and housing, and the role that substance-use plays in such deaths.

Kentucky’s maternal mortality rates are dismal, according to Ladd’s reports. And, they are worse for women of color than white women.

“The 2023 March of Dimes report showed the state once again had high maternal mortality, which was worse for Black Kentuckians. The state has a maternal mortality rate of 38.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, higher than the national rate of 23.5 deaths per 100,000 live births,” Ladd reports.

She adds, “A 2023 state report on maternal mortality also showed substance-use disorder contributed to nearly 60% of all maternal deaths. Most maternal deaths in Kentucky — 88% — are preventable, a report from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services said.”

The links to the stories are below.

https://kentuckylantern.com/2024/08/09/a-kentucky-lantern-q-a-with-federal-health-

https://kentuckylantern.com/2024/08/08/roundtable-explores-ways-to-improve-kentucky-maternal-health/